09/12/2026
Follow Up New Hope Quarry Lawsuit
September, 12, 2026
Following the NH Roadway Study Meeting, I began to dig into the Quarry Lawsuit referenced by the Mayor. To date, I have spoken with several people who have shed some light on the history of the quarry itself, the land and other items that I believe every citizen in New Hope will find of particular interest.
After the meeting, I went looking for the information about the first lawsuit that was dismissed. The link to all information available will be at the end of the article. I was unable to find any information online about the current lawsuit. At the Roadway meeting we were told there was a wait for a judge to be assigned, I believe the death of Judge Cameron has held up progress of the lawsuit pending the appointment of a new judge.
While speaking to some of the older residents in New Hope I found that the quarry was opened when the property was owned by the Hughes Family during the construction of the Nick A Jack Dam which was commissioned in 1967.
The quarry property was then sold to the Fox family and members of the Fox family own it today. After the meeting, I spoke to one of the owners who conveyed to me: (paraphrased) that the quarry was on “their” property and the start up of the portable operation cleared the way for what it is now. It was also clear that the owners didn’t think either party was at liberty to speak about the lawsuit. The individual went on to say that the operation was legal and all pertinent documents were completed to make the business legal and if the roadway had been properly constructed in the beginning there would be no damage due to the trucks hauling from the quarry.
While speaking with some of the remaining senior residents of the valley I was told of wells being affected and the creek that once flowed freely at the foot of the mountain (a tributary to the Tennessee River from a spring farther up the mountain) in the 60’s and there was an expressed concern for the homes that dot the properties from 156 to the Alabama County Road 93 crossroad and even further down the Hog Jaw Valley. There is also some concern about how blasting will affect County Road 93 where there has already been a terrible collapse unrelated to the quarry.
I have yet to find mining studies and environmental studies from the 1960s, although I have been assured they exist, perhaps in an archive somewhere, because the Environmental Protection Agency did not exist until the 70’s.
Coming back to present day, residents on Lakeview have complained about noise from the quarry before allowed times by the city ordinance. Others complain about the road conditions and one resident voiced a concern of a head-on collision while cars are attempting to dodge certain spots on the road. I, personally, found myself pushed over to the pavement’s edge recently while driving on the road. There are also complaints about how the Alabama roads have been affected by traffic from the quarry, but that is for Jackson County, Alabama to address.
I will continue to dig into this issue and publish future installments.
Links to follow in comments.
Rhonda Lawson
River Rat News
